Southwest

The projects below reflect those for which we were able to gather supporting materials and multimedia. There are hundreds of local government and state agency project requests. If you’d like to see a project highlighted below, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

A state funded organization that helps communities leverage business opportunities in co-products, renewable energy, bio-based products and food is looking to the state for help in building a new kitchen and specialized food testing area at the Southwest Minnesota State University Campus.

The Agriculture Utilization Research Institute (AURI) is requesting $606,400 in bonding for the construction. The existing space is close to 50 years old; the proposed improvements would support food entrepreneurs by providing a hands-on food preparation area and access to an improved sensory analysis process. These improvements will help AURI employees better identify innovative food products for new and existing markets.

The only local broadcast television content provider for small communities in west central and southwestern Minnesota is looking to upgrade its facilities. Pioneer Public TV, located in Appleton, is currently operating out a building built in the early 1900’s and renovated in the 1980’s.

Because of its age, the facility is no longer adequate for the High Definition productions that Pioneer Public TV produces. They are asking for $3.2 million in bonding for land acquisition to build a new modern space that will allow Pioneer Public Television to continue to operate at a high level in the years to come.

A project with incredible public support is asking for the state’s help to get off the ground. Community members, veterans’ advocates and the City of Montevideo are asking for more than $5 million for the design and construction of the Montevideo Veterans Home.

The 70-bed facility will serve Minnesota’s growing veteran population for years to come and is located in a hub of community activities. Project leaders say Montevideo is an ideal location for the home because of nearly 12,000 veterans within 60 minutes of the facility and its close location to hospitals.

The city of Windom is asking for $2.2 million for the design and construction of a new emergency services building. The existing fire hall is more than 40 years old and is only 4,100 square feet. In fact, the fire hall is so small that equipment is stored off site causing inefficiencies and slower response times for emergencies.

City leaders plan to construct a new 20,000 square foot emergency services building that would be able to house all the equipment required to serve their 200 square mile service area. City leaders have also pledged matching funds for the project.

South Central College in North Mankato is asking for $8.6 million for the renovation of more than 30,000 square feet to help improve classroom space for healthcare, STEM, computer and agribusiness courses.

Campus leaders say the renovations will directly support programs that serve the region’s workforce and that those programs require up-to-date learning environments and technology. Most of the renovated space was constructed in 1968; project advocates say if the renovation is delayed, workforce participation of the students as well as the achievement gap may be affected.

An economic artery in Sibley and Renville Counties is in dire need of an upgrade according to the Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority. A 26-mile section of heavily used rail requires an upgrade so farmers and other commodity producers in the area can bring their goods to market or processing plants in a timely fashion.

Currently, the tracks are in rough shape, with trains limited to 10 miles per hour in some areas, causing significant delays. The MVRAA is asking for $22 million to replace the tracks, which would allow the trains to travel at a much faster speed.

A project with incredible public support is asking for the state’s help to get off the ground. Community members, veterans’ advocates and the City of Montevideo are asking for more than $5 million for the design and construction of the Montevideo Veterans Home.

The 70-bed facility will serve Minnesota’s growing veteran population for years to come and is located in a hub of community activities. Project leaders say Montevideo is an ideal location for the home because of nearly 12,000 veterans within 60 minutes of the facility and its close location to hospitals.

A state funded organization that helps communities leverage business opportunities in co-products, renewable energy, bio-based products and food is looking to the state for help in building a new kitchen and specialized food testing area at the Southwest Minnesota State University Campus.

The Agriculture Utilization Research Institute (AURI) is requesting $606,400 in bonding for the construction. The existing space is close to 50 years old; the proposed improvements would support food entrepreneurs by providing a hands-on food preparation area and access to an improved sensory analysis process. These improvements will help AURI employees better identify innovative food products for new and existing markets.

An economic artery in Sibley and Renville Counties is in dire need of an upgrade according to the Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority. A 26-mile section of heavily used rail requires an upgrade so farmers and other commodity producers in the area can bring their goods to market or processing plants in a timely fashion.

Currently, the tracks are in rough shape, with trains limited to 10 miles per hour in some areas, causing significant delays. The MVRAA is asking for $22 million to replace the tracks, which would allow the trains to travel at a much faster speed.

The city of Windom is asking for $2.2 million for the design and construction of a new emergency services building. The existing fire hall is more than 40 years old and is only 4,100 square feet. In fact, the fire hall is so small that equipment is stored off site causing inefficiencies and slower response times for emergencies.

City leaders plan to construct a new 20,000 square foot emergency services building that would be able to house all the equipment required to serve their 200 square mile service area. City leaders have also pledged matching funds for the project.

The only local broadcast television content provider for small communities in west central and southwestern Minnesota is looking to upgrade its facilities. Pioneer Public TV, located in Appleton, is currently operating out a building built in the early 1900’s and renovated in the 1980’s.

Because of its age, the facility is no longer adequate for the High Definition productions that Pioneer Public TV produces. They are asking for $3.2 million in bonding for land acquisition to build a new modern space that will allow Pioneer Public Television to continue to operate at a high level in the years to come.

South Central College in North Mankato is asking for $8.6 million for the renovation of more than 30,000 square feet to help improve classroom space for healthcare, STEM, computer and agribusiness courses.

Campus leaders say the renovations will directly support programs that serve the region’s workforce and that those programs require up-to-date learning environments and technology. Most of the renovated space was constructed in 1968; project advocates say if the renovation is delayed, workforce participation of the students as well as the achievement gap may be affected.